Arsene Wenger has said that Sanchez and Ozil will see out their contracts at Arsenal, even if it means they have to leave on a free transfer
Both Sanchez and Ozil are currently in the midst of negotiations over a new contract with Arsenal, but there is no information as to how much progress has been made with the star duo. Sanchez and Ozil both currently have contracts that expire in 2018.
Sanchez has been a revelation up front for the Gunners this season, and is one of the main reasons Arsenal are currently in 2nd place in the league. Mesut Ozil has added a new dimension to his game as well, and is already just one behind his best goal tally (8) for the Gunners.
Arsenal are desperate to tie down the duo to a new contract, and Arsene Wenger has insisted that the negotiations are not all about the money. In seasons gone by, Arsenal would have sold players when they were reaching the end of their contracts and refusing to sign a new one – the example of Robin van Persie being the most significant of those.
However with Arsenal’s period of financial austerity over, Arsene Wenger has said that the Gunners will not sell the duo even if they don’t sign new contracts.
“It depends what you call the long-term. Eighteen months is quite long in football.” Wenger said according to the Mirror,
“These players have 18 months contracts. No matter what happens they will stay 18 months and we hope longer.” he said.
“I’m not the only one who can decide that. The best position is to achieve it now. These players will stay for at least 18 months.”
This is quite a statement coming from the manager, as Arsenal have always sold players – no matter how key they are – to prevent a loss financially. However, with Arsenal’s new found financial comfort it appears they have changed that stance completely. Wenger will no doubt attempt to convince the duo to stay as the season passes, and the best way to do that is with silverware.
However, should Arsenal actually keep the pair even if they are going into the final years of their contract, a few ambitious signings next summer could make all the difference to their decisions to stay or leave.
